Reema Motib is a Connecticut born Illustrator and Artist based out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is a third year business student, she dances, makes art and runs an itty bitty jewelry platform with her best friend called Lamb & Lu (interview about this soon!).
“The visuals I’ve been exposed to throughout my childhood and reflections on both the Western and Arab society, how those two aspects integrate to produce work that reflects these experiences whilst still maintaining a whimsical child-like feel to the illustration or artwork.”
Tell me about your work?
I believe that drawing is one of the most honest forms of communication.
Based on this belief, I aim to explore my visual memory through illustration. The visuals I’ve been exposed to throughout my childhood and reflections on both the Western and Arab society, how those two aspects integrate to produce work that reflects these experiences whilst still maintaining a whimsical child-like feel to the illustration or artwork.
Being formally trained in ballet, aspects of movement and theatricality are present in areas of the illustrations. Having studied the Balanchine method of ballet, George Balanchine’s neo-classical astatic is a principle influence in the work, having sharp lines of movement while still maintaining grace and fluidity. Much like, the ideal contrast between sharp and delicate present in Concerto Barocco.
What inspires you to create your work?
Girls I know, things I go through and nature I grew up around an abundance of trees and flowers and color, that sometimes translates into the things I make. I’m also heavily inspired by ballet, particularly Balanchine choreographies.
What are the reoccurring themes in your art work and is there a reason for this?
Crowns are a reoccurring theme in my work, I’ve always found myself to be fascinated with the perception of monarchy. I also usually draw woman, often with their eyes closed. Repetition is also a reoccurring theme.
I just communicate my experiences through my work, and sometimes it’s relatable to others which is really a blessing.
My main objective being growth in the medium of illustration as well as, exploration in the medium of photography and painting, I hope to continue to envoke discussion about the aspects of monarchy, the Saudi perception of monarchy, perception of female beauty, fluidity of movement and fluidity of thought.
“I hope to continue to envoke discussion about the aspects of monarchy, the Saudi perception of monarchy, perception of female beauty, fluidity of movement and fluidity of thought.”
“I am always striving to merge childhood, culture and personal narrative in a cohesive manner to execute work that is both beautiful and meaningful. While still maintaining simplicity.”
Lastly how do you reconnect to your culture and/or Identity?
My mother, she’s like an archive of everything beautiful about my culture.
Check out her work here: reemamotib.com
Sara F is an Artist and independent curator, her main area of focus is supporting emerging artists and making sure people of colour get to showcase their work in a gallery space. She will be featuring some of her favourite Arab Artists with interviews. You can find her at @frozenvanity
Reconnecting Arts 